Based on the thread asking about a substitute for seal fur dubbing, I thought I’d give the real stuff a try from the supplier recommended by Mike (idryfly) at http://feathersmc.com/home.php. What an absolute wonderful experience. FeatherMC.com was great to deal with, but the product is simply outstanding. It has deep lusterous and beautiful color with a generous amount in each bag. He even tossed in a bit of free stuff which made it like an early Christmas gift. I made a couple of dubbing brushes with my Turbo Dubbing Twister and tied up some of the nicest leech patterns that I’ve ever tied. Nice and bushy, with lovely color that absolutely sparkles. Thanks Mike for recommended this website and a special thanks to John from FeathersMC, you have a new loyal customer.
Jim,
I purchased from John last winter and had the same experience with them.
I haven’t used the stuff yet but now that I’m using the Turbo Twister from what you say I’ll probably twist some up tonight…thanks for the heads up…
James, Seal fur dubbing is one of the most unique dubbings out there. I have tried many substitutes but nothing has the same sheen and tecture as the real thing. It is great for leeches, nymphs and dries.
It has a fish atraction quality that I haven’t found in any other dubbing, its no wonder the stuff is becoming more and more popular with tyers.
Plus I like to do my part in supporting the seal hunt LOL. -Yaf
Several months ago on Animal Planet there was a program about seals. Several weeks after birth baby seals pull out their first downy fur in big clumps. The cameras showed the island coast where they were born completely covered with this fur down. So, or at least it appears, if killing these animals takes place after the fur has been ‘shed’ and the fur is available, why the law?
There are several reasons for the law, one major reason is because alot of people think of seals as cute and smart. There are a number of species of seals and I think only 3 or 4 are endangered. One of the laws created to protect them inclued many marine animals. It is a shame because that baby down is the best kind of seal fur for fly tying, it is finer softer and because it is only on the animal a short peroid of time it does not get a chance to dull much.
I have a friend who came across a seal “camp” when on a salmon fishing trip he was able to full up around 4 large garbage bags full of the stuff. This was around 35 years ago since then he has given away dozens of gallon ziplock bags full of the stuff away. The problem is if this was done now even though they are shed feathers you will still get in the same trouble you would have it you got it from a seal that was hunted. It just amazing that this great source that has almost no impact if any will get you in trouble with the law.
Joe
